FRANKLIN – Churches in southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island are on high alert after federal agents issued an arson warning to houses of worship.
Rising incidents of arson
This weekend, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is urging increased vigilance for houses of worship amid rising arson incidents.
“Repairing our church locks everything down,” said Father Bob Poitras of St. Mary’s Church in Franklin. At the end of last month a a fire was set in the sanctuary of the church and although no one was injured, there was extensive smoke damage. “Unfortunately, the main church suffered heavy smoke damage and will cost more than a million dollars in repairs.”
The fire chief said the fire at St. Mary’s was a case of arson and is now a fire $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person who deliberately set the fire.
Increased safety
The ATF is also warning houses of worship in Franklin, Kingston and Woonsocket, Rhode Island to improve surveillance and security systems, limit access to facilities and increase awareness among parishioners.
“I think it’s very important, it’s something that we’ve obviously had to learn and get through the hard way, but those warnings about securing your property, cameras and things like that, I’ve now come to see how important every part of that,” Poitras said. He said church officials are working to make all necessary changes and update protocols so everyone feels safe.
“Unfortunately, just like the moments we have this week, with baptisms and all kinds of important services in between, we have to lock everything in between, we no longer leave things open during the week,” Poitras said. “I think in this parish we took for granted how comfortable our community is and how wonderful our community is. But all it takes is that one problem, that one mistake, and before you know it, you’re hurt.”
Paul Burton
